New analysis by Midlands Connect has revealed alarming levels of social exclusion along the proposed electrification route of the Midland Mainline.
Midlands Connect's latest findings highlight that 440,000 people along the route are at significant risk of Transport Related Social Exclusion. This term refers to the inability to access essential opportunities, services, and community life, leading to substantial obstacles in daily living due to travel constraints.
Key Findings:
- Bolsover: The area with the highest social exclusion in the Midlands, with 80.1% of residents at risk, ranking second highest in England.
- North East Derbyshire: Nearly half of the residents are at risk of exclusion.
- Sheffield: 91,573 residents (15.7%) live in neighbourhoods with a nationally high risk of TRSE.
- Chesterfield: 30,111 residents (28.7%) face high TRSE risk.
- Amber Valley: 61,326 residents (47.9%) are at risk.
- Derby: 62,377 residents (24.2%) live in high-risk neighbourhoods.
Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said:
“These figures are evidence that we need to make transport more accessible in this region, something I am committed to achieving. The electrification of the Midland Mainline is a vital step in unlocking the full economic potential and tackling social exclusion in the region.
“No one should struggle to access education, training, jobs or healthcare because they can’t travel around the area easily. But, people in the East Midlands tell me how difficult it is to do just that and the impact it has on their lives.
“So, it is vital we do all we can to tackle the issue of transport-related social exclusion, and this is why I am backing the calls to electrify the mainline all the way to Nottingham and Sheffield.”
Midlands Connect argues that these findings provide further evidence supporting the urgent need to electrify the Midland Mainline all the way to Nottingham and Sheffield. The electrification project promises to deliver substantial benefits, including:
Economic and Social Benefits of further electrification include:
- Job Creation: Up to 4,300 new jobs during construction, including skilled occupations and over 100 apprenticeships.
- Economic Value: Generating £61 million in economic value from jobs created in the East Midlands and nearly £18 million in social value.
- Improved Travel: Immediate journey time savings and enhanced punctuality, estimated to deliver 120,000 additional passenger journeys per year, growing to 200,000 per annum by 2043.
A decision on funding for the next phase to Trent Junctions, just south of Nottingham, and detailed design for the remainder of the line through to Sheffield was expected in summer 2024. However, this decision has been delayed due to the General Election and the Comprehensive Spending Review.
Midlands Connect's analysis underscores the critical need for investment in the Midland Mainline electrification to combat social exclusion and boost economic growth in the region.
Image credit: iStock
